The Daily Brief: City Council Votes to Limit Rent Increases, Former Newsom Chief of Staff Federally Indicted, and more.

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L.A. City Council Approves 4 Percent Cap on Annual Rent Increases

In a historic 12–2 vote, the Los Angeles City Council has approved a cap on annual rent increases, limiting most Rent Stabilization Ordinance units to 4 percent and allowing an additional 2 percent for landlords who cover utilities. The overhaul is one of the most significant rent control updates in decades and aims to ease the burden on renters as housing costs continue to rise across the city. Lawmakers also approved new support for small landlords to help offset repair and maintenance costs.

Former Newsom Chief of Staff Dana Williamson Indicted in Sweeping Federal Corruption Case

Dana Williamson, who served as Governor Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff from 2022 to 2024, has been indicted on 23 federal counts following what prosecutors describe as a multiyear corruption scheme involving pilfered campaign funds, no-show jobs, and nearly $1 million in luxury personal expenses disguised as business write-offs. The indictment alleges Williamson funneled money from a dormant campaign account tied to former HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, lied to federal agents, and fed insider information tied to a state lawsuit—all while serving in one of the most powerful roles in Sacramento

Big U Seeks Temporary Release to Attend Slain Son’s Funeral

Eugene “Big U” Henley, the imprisoned former Rollin’ 60s figure and Hyde Park community activist now facing federal charges including extortion, fraud, and murder, is asking a judge to grant him a supervised, one-day release so he can attend the funeral of his eldest son, Jabari, who was shot and killed on Halloween night in South L.A. Henley’s attorneys argue the visit is a critical family obligation and have pledged strict compliance with any security restrictions. The killing remains unsolved, and law enforcement fears it could escalate existing tensions in the wake of Henley’s arrest.

NYC’s New Mayor Takes a Page From L.A., With Familiar Risks Ahead

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is promising a sweeping progressive overhaul, free transit, rent freezes, and 200,000 new affordable homes, but many of his signature ideas closely mirror policies Los Angeles has already tested with mixed and often costly results. From rent caps that strained aging housing stock to homelessness programs that fell short of permanent outcomes, L.A.’s experience offers a cautionary preview.

Air Taxis Will Shuttle Fans and Staff Across L.A. During the 2028 Olympics

Archer Aviation is preparing to take L.A.’s Olympic transportation plan to new heights. The company will deploy its electric “Midnight” air taxis to ferry fans, staff, and VIPs between major 2028 venues, offering 10-20 minute flights designed to cut through the region’s notorious gridlock. With FAA coordination underway, demonstration flights planned for 2026, and a new operational hub at Hawthorne Airport, the initiative marks one of the boldest mobility experiments in Olympic history.

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